14 March, 2018

Waterskills Camp 2018, Cry Me A River!

You really could not have asked for a better weekend for our annual Waterskills Camp – with blue skies and the sun blazing, the camp was destined to be a ripper!

Beginning our journey to Moama on the Friday at 8am sharp, 34 Challenge kids were ready to call the red gum forests and winding waters of the “Mighty Murray” home for the weekend!

Upon arrival, we didn’t hesitate in beginning all the fun and adventure, immediately making our way to the river to put our water skills to the ultimate test. Our Challenge troops varied in abilities; from first-time “donuters” to experienced water-skiers, everyone had the opportunity to give the water a whirl!

When we weren’t on Australia’s iconic river, we instead lived up to Melbourne’s title as the world’s sporting capital as we whipped out the cricket sets, drop punted the footy and aced some tennis balls. It is no wonder why we are receiving reports that our teens hit the sack a little earlier than usual on the Sunday night!

Waterskills Camp truly is a life-changing experience for everyone involved; it helps to instil confidence and offers the opportunity to build lifelong friendships with a bunch of awesome people, all travelling similar journeys. For everyone a part of the camp’s success, it really is heart-warming to see the growth and joy the camp can endow these kids.

However, all of this would not have been possible without the support of so many people. We would like to sincerely thank all our supporters – Rex from Jay Tee Coaches, Moama on the Murray, Foundry Hotel Complex, The Rotary Club of Echuca Moama, Moama Paddlesteamer Country Bakery, Moama RSL, JP & T Electrical Contractors, Yoke Design, Chapman Gardner, Professional Floors, Pipe-Rite Plumbing, Plumbsafe, Jemson, Donegan Transport Service and The Port Ice Creamery – for their help in ensuring this event was so fantastic!

We would like to thank all the volunteers – from camp leaders to the boat owners, drivers and crew members – for giving up their time and energy; and to Mick Viney, who always goes above and beyond to make this weekend truly special, you are a legend and we thank you so much! You all came to the camp with the intention of making it the best possible experience for these teens and you well and truly achieved this!

It’s sad to say that Waterskills 2018 is over and indeed, in the words of JT, we almost cried a river the whole way home… I guess we will just have to wait until next year!